Republican candidates welcome multiple organizations during elections
Candidates seeking elected office in the general election agree that while the Fayette County Republican Committee (FCRC) is the “official” organization, other GOP groups are beneficial in a campaign.
“I am excited to see that Fayette County is able to support a viable Republican Committee, a Young Republican Chapter and the (Fayette County Reagan Republican Committee),” said Matthew Dowling of Uniontown. “It shows that residents are embracing the conservative values they have long held.”
Dowling won in his bid to serve as the 51st District legislative representative over incumbent state Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-South Union Township. The district includes portions of Fayette and Somerset counties.
Before announcing his candidacy, Dowling said he met with David Show, county committee chairman, with the organization offering its assistance.
“The county party supplied grassroots and financial support,” he said. “They are a well organized and excited group.”
The Reagan Republicans were “split” on their support of his campaign, with county Commissioner David Lohr, a member of the group, offering both vocal and financial support.
Chairman Russ Rhodes backed Mahoney, said Dowling.
As an elected representative, Dowling said that the constituents, not their party affiliations, are most important.
“I serve Republicans, Reaganites, the Tea Party, Democrats, Independents and the unregistered people of our commonwealth,” he said. “Regardless of how we identify ourselves, I think it is important for the conservatives in Fayette County to come together to further our shared ideals.
“Furthermore, with this election cycle at rest, we need to come together as a region, a state and a nation.”
State Rep. Ryan Warner, R-Perryopolis, tied his successful re-election bid to the support of his family, friends, volunteers and the Fayette County Republican Committee.
“Words can not describe how much I appreciate the overwhelming support we received from the folks all across Fayette and Westmoreland counties,” he said. “The support and grassroots efforts of the FCRC helped spread our message of fighting against Gov. (Tom) Wolf’s historic tax increases, working to create good paying jobs in our community and fighting to end this drug epidemic.”
Warner said he is not familiar with the Reagan Republicans but is open to work with them.
“I am always more than willing to meet or work with anyone or any group regarding issues or topics that affect residents of Pennsylvania,” he said.
Casey Contres, spokesman for U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Everett, said that the 9th Congressional District includes numerous organizations that work to elect Republicans to office, including the county committees.
“In a time where we just experienced eight years of a war on coal at the hands of a Democratic president, it’s a good thing that there are so many people working to advance Republican priorities,” he said.
Efforts by the county Reagan Committee afforded Shuster a hefty win over his opponent, Art Halvorson, in the past three election cycles, added Contres, noting the county committee backed Halvorson is those unsuccessful bids.
“It’s not really clear why Show would be opposed to another Republican group working to elect Republicans,” said Contres.
Show, meanwhile, said that the county committee had many successes in the 2016 election, including an uptick in party registrations.
“Fayette County produced a huge majority win for President-elect Donald Trump, U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey and the other statewide candidates,” he said. “(The results) demonstrate the effectiveness and hard work of the FCRC, its members and volunteers.
“Our past election victories in both county and state elections show that the FCRC is revitalized and is operating strong. I think Democrats, Independents and Republicans alike will agree our results have been amazing.”